Wildlife tourism, a money spinner - Chitral Jayatilleke

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Wildlife enthusiasts and exponents said that Sri Lanka has vast potential to the preferred destination for wildlife tourism in the region.

Wildlife tourism expert and Assistant Vice President and Head of Eco Tourism and Special Projects John Keells Group Chitral Jayatilleke said that there is much potential for growth in wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka which can generate higher revenue and yields for the economy.

Wildlife tourism is an important part of the tourism industries in many countries including many African and South American countries, Australia, India, Canada, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and the Maldives among many. It has experienced a dramatic and rapid growth in recent years worldwide and is closely aligned to eco-tourism and sustainable-tourism.

Wildlife tourism is also a multi-million dollar industry which offers safaries and adventure tours.

Chitral said that the wildlife sector attracts the more responsible, sophisticated and informed traveller which raises Sri Lanka's profile as an ideal place to visit.

Nature-based tourism is a niche market which pays off well for the tourism industry.

Wildlife tourism is a preferred choice among travellers who are keen to spend for a quality experience.

Wildlife tourists still account for less than five percent of the visitors to Sri Lanka.

He said that steps should be taken to conserve and protect wildlife resources which helps woo travellers to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is enormously blessed with natural beauty which is unique to the country.

Many countries have lost their natural heritage due to development. Vast swaths of forest cover, rich fauna and flora have been destroyed for industrial expansion.

Sri Lanka is lucky with a population of around 21 million people to still have around 5000 elephants in the wild. Sri Lanka has the highest density of leopards and it is the best place in the world to watch blue whales.

"Blue whales in Sri Lanka are the world's largest mammals, resident to the shores off the country as opposed to being migratory creatures", Jayatilleke said.

The gathering of over 300 elephants at Minneriya, endemic birds and reptiles are marvels of tourism in Sri Lanka which named as one large zoo in an internationally renowned travel magazine.

The Yala National Park, has the largest concentration of leopards and which have been filmed and featured by the likes of the National Geographic, Jayatilleke said.

He said we need to respect our biodiversity and natural resource.

If the natural resources are taken care of we can be the Next Costa Rica in five years. Discipline in parks and care for the resources must be addressed before we lose our novelty.

Sri Lanka Tourism is doing a great deal to promote wildlife tourism and the country's natural heritage. Exhibitions, travel marts, roadshows are held regularly to promote Lanka's natural heritage.

International documentaries are a great way to showcase Sri Lanka's rich natural diversity to the world. We must also attract the big names in different disciplines to endorse various attractions in Sri Lanka.

The tourism industry is taking shape after the conflict ended, it's certainly looking vibrant than three years ago with many investing in new properties and upgrading the old, it's the right direction to go as we expect this industry to have steady growth in the next decade as we become a preferred destination by the Western, Indian and Chinese travellers.

The Government is supporting the private sector and facilitating much-needed expansion and upgrading infrastructure.

The government has allocated funds to promote tourism in the 2012 Budget which has recognised the potential of the lucrative industry for the economy.

Tourism industry experts said that the private sector has a major role to play in harnessing the potential of tourism in Sri Lanka. A vibrant private sector will drive this sector forward and I see a very clear and bright future ahead.